A preoperative 3D model for predicting the postoperative electrode position in cochlear implantation

Cochlear implants (CIs) are an established therapy in deaf or high-grade deaf patients who are no longer adequately supplied with hearing aids. Technical innovations offer many new possibilities in terms of preoperative planning and future patient care.

Material and Methods Based on 15 micro-CTs of the human cochlea, together with clinical image data from more than 300 CI patients, a virtual 3D model of the cochlea was developed. This model can be adapted to the individual patient and used for the statistical prediction of the postoperative electrode position. Prediction results can be projected into the clinical image data to visualize the expected electrode location.

Results We were able to create a numerical electrode position prediction for all common MED-EL electrodes. Although there is little improvement in the accuracy of predicting the achieved cochlear coverage and insertion angle compared to analytical solutions. However, the shown 3D model allows the export to the preoperative imaging or gives the possibility as 3D printing. An integration into other planning software is also conceivable. Another conceivable use arises with regard to malformations of the cochlea.

Poster-PDF A-1974.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020